PLZ Aeroscience

About PLZ Aeroscience

The story of PLZ Corp, formerly PLZ Aeroscience, begins in 1939 with John Ferring III and his invention, an automotive polish in a shaker can. Recognizing the potential of the emerging aerosol technology after World War II, Ferring developed the first aerosol car polish. This early adoption of a novel technology set the stage for the company's trajectory. In 1978, a pivotal moment occurred when John Ferring IV took the helm. With just 12 employees, he aggressively pursued new business, expanding the company's focus on contract filling. This strategic shift from branded products to becoming a manufacturing partner for other companies proved to be a powerful growth engine. The company, which produced 3.3 million cans annually in 1978, surpassed one billion cans by 2010. A significant turning point in the company's journey was the introduction of private equity investment, which fueled a new phase of expansion. A major event was the acquisition by Pritzker Private Capital in 2015, which invested alongside the existing management team. This partnership provided the capital and resources for PLZ to execute a strategy of aggressive growth through acquisition. Over the next several years, PLZ acquired numerous companies, including Precise Packaging, Custom-Pak Products, and Champion Brands, significantly expanding its capabilities in personal care, industrial products, and automotive lubricants. Today, PLZ stands as a dominant force in North American specialty aerosol and liquid manufacturing, a journey from a single car polish to a diversified industrial powerhouse.